Drawer Slides 101: Types, Features & How to Choose
Drawer slides are the unsung heroes of cabinets, vanities, and furniture. Whether you're building a custom kitchen, upgrading dresser drawers, or outfitting a workbench, choosing the right drawer slides ensures smooth performance, longevity, and a high-end feel. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the types, features, and best uses of drawer slides—and help you decide what's right for your next project.
And when you're ready to buy, look no further than Berta Store, where you'll find a wide range of premium drawer slides, including soft close, ball bearing, undermount, and side mount options.
What Are Drawer Slides?
Drawer slides—also known as drawer glides, drawer runners, or drawer rails—are mechanical hardware devices that allow drawers to open and close smoothly. Most modern drawer slides include ball bearings or rollers that reduce friction and support varying weights.
You may hear terms like:
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Drawer slider or drawer slide set
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Undermount drawer slides or side mount drawer slides
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Soft close slides or ball bearing drawer slides
Each of these refers to different mounting styles, materials, or motion-enhancing features.
Types of Drawer Slides
1. Side Mount Drawer Slides
These slides attach to the sides of the drawer and cabinet. They're visible when open but are easy to install, strong, and commonly used.
Best for: Kitchen drawers, dressers, tool cabinets
Available at: Berta Store Drawer Slides Collection
2. Undermount Drawer Slides
These slides are mounted underneath the drawer, providing a clean, hidden look. Many soft close drawer cabinets use this type. They require precise installation but offer a premium, modern feel.
Best for: High-end kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, office furniture
3. Center Mount Drawer Slides
Installed along the center bottom of the drawer. These are less common and generally support lighter loads.
Best for: Light-use drawers, nightstands, vintage-style furniture
4. Top Mount & Bottom Mount Drawer Slides
Top mount slides are rare but useful in specialty applications. Bottom mount slides are often found in bottom drawer runners for deep base drawers.
5. Ball Bearing Drawer Slides vs. Roller Slides
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Ball Bearing Slides: Durable, smooth, and support heavier drawers. Most soft-close models fall into this category.
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Roller Slides: Simpler and more affordable. Use plastic wheels and are best for lightweight furniture.
Key Features to Look For
✔ Soft Close Function
Soft-close drawer slides use dampers to gently pull drawers shut. They prevent slamming and wear, creating a quiet, high-end experience.
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Keywords: soft close drawer slide, drawer soft close slides, soft close slider, drawer closers
✔ Full Extension vs. 3/4 Extension
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Full Extension: Allows the drawer to open fully so you can access everything.
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3/4 Extension: Stops short; limits access but reduces cost and wear.
Keywords: full extension drawer slides, drawer slides 15 inch, 21 inch soft close drawer slides
✔ Load Capacity
Heavy-duty slides can support 100 lbs or more. Ideal for tool chests, pantry drawers, and filing cabinets.
Keywords: ball bearing runners, heavy duty undermount slides, cabinet drawer systems
✔ Mounting Type
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Frameless cabinets? Use undermount or side mount.
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Face frame cabinets? Add rear mounting brackets.
✔ Sizes & Lengths
Common lengths:
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10", 12", 15", 21", 22", 24"
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Always match the drawer box depth (not cabinet depth)
Popular Applications
• Kitchen Cabinet Drawer Slides
Soft-close undermount slides are most popular. Use 21" or 22" slides for standard kitchen drawers.
• Bathroom Drawers
Moisture-resistant slides with ball bearings provide long-lasting performance.
• Bedroom Furniture
Use side mount or center mount drawer slides for nightstands, dressers, and closets.
• Garage & Workshop
Heavy-duty ball bearing slides with full extension support large tool drawers.
• Office Desks & File Cabinets
Choose soft-close, high-capacity slides for smooth drawer function.
How to Choose the Right Drawer Slides
Here are a few simple tips:
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Measure Drawer Box Length: Match slide length to this measurement.
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Choose Mount Type: Side mount = visible; undermount = hidden.
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Select Features: Soft close, full extension, heavy-duty?
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Consider Load: The heavier the drawer, the stronger the slide needed.
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Order in Pairs: Drawer slides come in left/right pairs or full kits.
Keywords to match: drawers with sliders, slide drawer, drawer slides bracket, drawer slide set
How to Install Drawer Slides (Quick Tips)
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Mark & Pre-Drill Holes
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Use a Level to ensure perfect alignment
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Screw the Slides to Cabinet and Drawer Box
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Attach Brackets for face frame cabinets
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Test Slide Movement before inserting drawer
Common tools: screwdriver, drill, tape measure, level
Pro tip: Choose Berta Store's drawer slides that include mounting screws and installation instructions.
Where to Find Premium Drawer Slides
Looking for high-quality, soft-close, ball bearing drawer slides?
Shop at Berta Store
Berta Store offers:
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Side mount, undermount, and top mount drawer slides
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Soft-close sliders, ball bearing drawer glides, and more
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Options in 12", 15", 21", and 24" lengths
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Fast delivery, bulk discounts, and commercial pricing
Whether you're upgrading kitchen cabinets, building a new vanity, or replacing dresser slides, Berta has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What size drawer slides do I need?
Measure the inside length of the drawer box. Choose the closest matching slide size (e.g., 15" drawer = 15" slide).
Q: Are soft-close drawer slides worth it?
Absolutely. They reduce noise, protect your cabinets, and add a luxurious feel.
Q: Can I install drawer slides myself?
Yes. With a drill, level, and tape measure, most DIYers can install them in under 30 minutes.
Q: What are ball bearing drawer slides?
Slides that use steel ball bearings for smooth, durable drawer movement. Best for heavy drawers and long-term use.
Final Thoughts
Drawer slides are more than hardware—they define how your drawers feel and function. From soft close drawer slides to ball bearing undermount drawer glides, choosing the right setup ensures durability, style, and satisfaction.
When you're ready to upgrade or install new drawer slides, trust Berta Store to supply premium options for every project. With an extensive collection of cabinet drawer slides, hardware drawer slides, and drawer slide kits, Berta Store is your go-to source for quality, value, and customer satisfaction.
Explore the full collection now → Berta Drawer Slides Collection
